Spring break is around the corner and everyone is in a rush to flee campus, but spend some time to pack carefully to maximize relaxation over break.
Whether you are going to a beach or just relaxing at home for the week, there are some essentials everyone needs to pack. Here is a guide and checklist to everything you need to pack, and what you can survive a week without.
- Headphones
- Gum
- Favorite snack
- Water bottle
- Travel pillow
- Pleasure reading
- Laptop or tablet
- Movies
- Phone and laptop chargers
Secondly, be mindful of the clothing that you will actually need. Plan outfits prior to packing instead of just throwing in random tops and bottoms and figuring it out when you get there. This will save time and space in your suitcase for other things, as well as time on the return trip refolding and putting away items you never wore. Bring an outfit for every day you plan to be gone, plus one “just in case outfit” to wear for an unplanned date or night out with friends. Most importantly, check the forecast before you pack– there’s nothing worse than having a suitcase full of clothing and still needing to scramble to put together appropriate outfits!
- Shirts/tops/blouses
- Shorts
- Favorite pair of jeans
- One dress
- Strapless bra
- Underwear
- Two bathing suits
- Cover up
- Sweater or light-weight jacket
- Pajamas
- Flip flops
- Flats
- Heals
- Sneakers
- Socks
- Hat
- Purse (just bring your favorite!)
- Jewelry (keep it simple!)
Think about your destination and how you are getting there. What can you skip? If you are going home, you do not need to pack all of these things assuming some will be there waiting for you (hairdryer, curling iron, underwear, socks, pajamas). However, if you are going to a hotel or friends home, you should be prepared to bring everything you need. Also, make sure to invest in travel sized bottles to make your luggage lighter and more importantly– avoid losing any belongings to airport security.
- Makeup
- Shampoo & conditioner (travel size)
- Hair products
- Soap
- Loofa
- Razor
- Face Wash
- Lotion
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Tweezers
- Shower cap
- Sunscreen
- Band-aids
- Extra contacts
- Dental retainers
- Photo ID
- Passport
- Insurance information
- Cash and credit cards
- Medication
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Beach bag
- Towel
- Camera
- Phone and chargers
- Umbrella
Lastly, as unappealing as it may sound, don’t forget to bring some homework with you. Use your downtime in between “fun” to get ahead on work you have due the first week you get back. It will leave you time Sunday night to catch up with your friends when you get back at school.
What not to pack
Your entire wardrobe – As hard as it is to not overpack, you will be happy about it once you get there. Aim for one suitcase and one carry on.
Travel Tips
• Roll your clothes, rather than folding them. This will maximizing space and keep your clothes from getting wrinkled.
• Use clear plastic bags to carry your toiletries. If anything spills, it will keep from getting on the rest of your luggage.
• Bring one extra plastic bag for dirty clothes on the return trip if you won’t have the ability to wash beforehand. This will keep them from soiling the clean items and reduce the amount of wash when you return.
• Always place shoes in a plastic bag to keep them from getting your clothes dirty.
If you are conflicted about whether or not to pack something, check this helpful chart below: